Dog leash guidelines
Dog leash guidelines are regulated by the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, as well as the Parks and Pathways Bylaw. Calgary is an "on-leash city", meaning that dogs must be on a leash unless they are on their own property or in an area that is designated by signs as an off-leash area.
Find an off-leash area near you:
- Downloadable maps, by neighborhood of off-leash areas
- An interactive City of Calgary map of all off-leash areas

A dog must be on a leash:
- At all times when not on the owner's property.
- On all pathways (pathways have a surface of ashphalt, concrete or brick).
- When on a pathway the following rules apply to dogs:
- A dog's leash cannot be more than 2 meteres long.
- A dog must stay on the right hand side of the pathway, unless moving around other pathway users.
- A dog must be under the owner's control at all times, and not interfere with or obstruct any other pathway user.
A dog can be off-leash:
- In areas designated by signs as off-leash areas.
- Some pathways cut through off-leash areas. On some of these pathways, dogs may be off leash if there are signs indicating that this is allowed.
Off-leash areas:
While you are enjoying the off-leash area, please remember to:
- Make sure you have control over your dog, ensuring that he's in your sight, and comes back to you when called.
- Be courteous to your fellow dog owners. Do not allow your dog to bother other dogs or their owners.
- Stoop & scoop. The fine for not immediately picking up after your dog is $250.
- Deposit your poop bags in an appropriate receptacle.